Kelly Claes

Her dominance during this collegiate period was further underscored by receiving the inaugural Pac-12 Player of the Year award, Pac-12 Pair of the Year, and the Pac-12 Pairs Championship, all in 2016. These achievements built upon her early international success, which included securing a bronze medal at the 2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championships and a silver medal at the 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball U21 World Championships, both with Hughes. Transitioning to her professional career in 2017, Claes made an immediate impact, winning her first AVP Gold Series Championships in Chicago with Sara Hughes, making them the youngest team to achieve this feat. Following a temporary split from Hughes in early 2018, Claes formed a powerful partnership with Sarah Sponcil.

Her partnership with Kelly Cheng saw them represent the United States at the Paris Olympics, where they concluded their campaign with a strong 5th place finish. Claes consistently demonstrates her exceptional skill and strategic prowess on the international stage.